On September 9, 2026, US forces sank one Iranian tanker and struck another four in the Gulf of Oman in retaliation for Iran's missile attacks on an American warship. In response, Iran claimed to have attacked two US vessels and eight oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, while Jordan reported intercepting 18 of 20 Iranian missiles launched at a US base. Oil prices rose sharply, with Brent crude increasing by 1.5% to $99.35 a barrel, amid escalating tensions following a cycle of retaliatory strikes that began after Iran's attacks in late February.
Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong's first leader after its return to Chinese rule, has passed away at the age of 89, marking the end of his tenure that began in July 1997. His leadership faced significant challenges, including the Asian Financial Crisis, public health epidemics, and massive protests in 2003 that saw half a million residents demonstrate against a proposed national security law, ultimately leading to his resignation in 2005. Survived by his wife and three children, Tung is remembered as a loyalist to Beijing and has received tributes from former chief executives praising his contributions to Hong Kong.
Donald Trump provided substantial holiday gifts to four White House aides, including $45,000 each to executive assistant Natalie Harp, communications adviser Margo Martin, and deputy director of Oval Office operations Chamberlain Harris, while director of Oval Office operations Walt Nauta received $20,000. All four aides earn annual salaries of $150,000, except for Nauta, who makes $175,000. The cash gifts were disclosed in the staffers' financial forms and were deemed permissible by a White House official, who noted that they were unrelated to the aides' official government duties.
In 2025, cluster munitions resulted in at least 1,063 casualties, primarily among civilians, including at least 34 children, with Ukraine reporting 87 percent of the global total for the fourth consecutive year. The report highlighted that cluster munitions were used by multiple countries, including Iran, Myanmar, Russia, and Ukraine, with new production observed in several nations such as China and India. The situation has been exacerbated by cuts in US foreign assistance, which disrupted clearance efforts and led to at least 117 additional deaths and injuries.
Raymond Greene, the top US diplomat in Taipei, warned that any conflict in the Taiwan Strait could have a more significant impact on the global economy than World War II, stressing the importance of the upcoming US-China summit. He emphasized that the US is committed to preserving peace in the Indo-Pacific by enhancing its presence and supporting Taiwan's defense capabilities, as Taiwan plans to exceed 1 trillion Taiwan dollars ($31.76 billion) in defense spending for the first time next year. Greene highlighted that the US acts as Taiwan's most crucial international supporter despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations, and he cited the potential for the summit to improve strategic stability between the two nations.
A study found that babies born to anaemic mothers have brains that are, on average, 4% smaller than those of babies born to non-anaemic mothers, particularly affecting regions associated with movement, learning, and emotion regulation. The research, which tracked over 300 mothers and their infants in Cape Town from three months to two years, revealed that brain volume differences persisted, with the corpus callosum being 4% smaller at 12 months and 6% smaller at 24 months in the anaemic group. As more than a third of pregnant women globally are affected by anaemia, the findings underscore the need for screening and treatment to prevent cognitive difficulties in children.
The cargo jet crash in Miami resulted in the deaths of five individuals, all of whom were in a mangled white van and an SUV at the crash site. Flight data indicated that the cargo jet attempted to abort an unsteady landing before the tragic incident. The wreckage included not only the jet, which was found nose-down, but also severely damaged vehicles at the scene.
The United States plans to impose an import ban on Canadian dairy products, motorcycles, and alcoholic beverages starting September 29, along with 50% tariffs on other goods, including mattresses and golf carts, beginning September 15. These actions come after Canada retaliated with its own tariffs of up to 50% on about $20 billion of US goods. Nearly 68% of Canadian exports go to the US, with about 80% benefitting from duty-free entry under the USMCA, prompting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to emphasize the need to reduce economic dependence on the US.
Gambian President Adama Barrow stated the country will enhance energy supplies by next month to address violent protests over prolonged power outages, which have spurred calls for his resignation. The government plans to install a 24-megawatt generation machine by the end of October and construct an additional 50-megawatt solar power plant, as outages have lasted up to 48 hours during the hot season and are attributed to climate change and increased demand. Barrow, who is seeking re-election in December, described the blackouts as a national security issue and acknowledged their impact on daily life.
Reading scores among 15-year-olds in the United States have declined by 14 points, reaching their lowest level in 25 years, according to the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) released by the OECD. In the US, 25.7 percent of students were classified as low performers in reading, while only 13.3 percent were top performers, highlighting significant inequality compared to other nations. The US Education Department has spent over $3 trillion since its establishment in 1979, yet the White House argues that federal funding has not effectively improved standardized test scores, prompting calls for a shift towards state-led initiatives and “school choice.”
A Liberal operative named Jeremy Greenwood denied creating a pink paper record of an agreement worth up to $5 million with fugitive developer Jean Nassif during an Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) inquiry. The inquiry is investigating allegations that Greenwood, Charles Perrottet, and Christian Ellis received $2 million in payments from Nassif between 2020 and 2023 in exchange for political outcomes, which they have all denied. Greenwood acknowledged paying $30,000 to Toplace executive Sharangan Maheswaran, who acted as his solicitor amid concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
The U.S. Supreme Court, through Justice Brett Kavanaugh, declined to reinstate a Republican-backed congressional map in Missouri, allowing an older map to remain in place for the upcoming midterm elections. This decision followed a temporary block by U.S. District Judge Stephen Clark, which mandated that Missouri use the new map for November while the legal dispute continues, with the ruling effective for 14 days. The controversy arises as the new map, approved by Missouri Republicans in 2025, aimed to improve GOP chances in the U.S. House, where Republicans currently hold a narrow majority of 219 out of 435 seats.
Cody Johnson, a Republican voter, expressed optimism about Donald Trump's ability to energize voters at a recently announced Republican National Committee midterm convention in Texas, which aims to combat a potential liberal surge led by Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico. Despite Republican control of Texas state offices for three decades and a historical lean towards conservative policies, polls indicate Talarico is either leading or tied with Republican Ken Paxton, raising concerns among GOP supporters. Critics, like marketing specialist Shania Spears, argue that the convention may not adequately address voter discontent over issues like rising costs of living, viewing it more as a form of entertainment than a solution.
In the mistrial of Lindsay Clancy, the foreperson Roni Carlson revealed that one juror admitted to having reasonable doubt but still would not agree to acquit her due to insanity, stating, “But I’m still not going to say that she’s not guilty by reason of insanity.” During deliberations, Carlson indicated that this holdout juror was not adhering to the court's instructions on reasonable doubt, leading to the judge declaring a mistrial after the jury, consisting of 12 members, could not reach a unanimous verdict. Clancy, who strangled her three children in January 2023 and attempted suicide, remains in a psychiatric hospital while prosecutors have yet to decide on a retrial; a status hearing is scheduled for September 29.
Australia is preparing targeted sanctions against Israel but will not join the UK in banning trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, despite concerns raised by Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong. The UK announced a ban on goods from illegal settlements and new arms export restrictions, with support from nine other European countries also considering similar measures. Additionally, Wong emphasized that the Israeli government's actions are undermining the potential for a two-state solution and highlighted ongoing violence and human rights abuses in the region.
Data from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may have been shared with Palantir's analytics platform as part of a multi-agency effort to combat fraud, specifically through the Fraud Fusion Taskforce involving 25 government agencies. The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) has reportedly paid millions to Palantir for its software to analyze large datasets in relation to serious and organized crime. Concerns have been raised about the ethical implications of using such surveillance technology for monitoring NDIS participants, who may be unfairly treated as suspects for fraud.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration has released over 170,000 pages of municipal records detailing the impact of the September 11 attacks on air quality, available through an online portal launched three days before the 25th anniversary of 9/11. The records, released alongside the settlement of two lawsuits by 9/11 Health Watch, reveal that city officials misled the public about the safety of the air surrounding Ground Zero, despite knowing it was toxic. Congressman Jerry Nadler and City Council member Gale Brewer expressed that the release is a significant step toward transparency, shedding light on the health consequences faced by first responders and community members from the aftermath of the attacks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office denied claims from Haaretz that UAE President Mohammad bin Zayed warned him of a planned Hamas attack 10 days prior to the October 7, 2023, incident, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Despite the denial, a source cited by The Times of Israel corroborated the warning about the potential disruption to the region and the Abraham Accords. Following the attacks, Israeli military actions in Gaza led to over 73,650 Palestinian deaths, according to reports from Gaza's Hamas-run Health Ministry.
On March 21, 1960, during a protest against apartheid's pass laws, police opened fire in Sharpeville, killing at least 69 people and injuring 180, though newer research indicates up to 91 deaths and 238 injuries. More than six decades later, survivors and families are seeking justice through the Gauteng High Court, challenging the apartheid-era Indemnity Act, which barred them from pursuing legal claims related to the massacre. The current legal action aims to declare the Indemnity Act unconstitutional and seek certification for a class action representing survivors and the dependants of those killed.
Stefany Shaheen narrowly won the Democratic nomination in the 1st District, while Anthony DiLorenzo easily secured the Republican primary victory. In the U.S. Senate primaries, Democratic Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander and Republican Lily Tang Williams each won their party nominations, setting up a rematch in the 2024 general election. A report highlighted the significant economic impact of ICE raids in Chicago, estimating a loss of over $1.26 billion in retail, restaurant, and sales-tax revenue due to fears that kept many immigrants from participating in the local economy.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans for trade deals with Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador during a visit to Barranquilla, aiming to strengthen ties with right-wing governments in Latin America as a counter to China's influence. Rubio emphasized shared interests in combating transnational crime and enhancing economic relations following the election of Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, who seeks closer military cooperation with the US. The Trump administration has increased military actions in the region and supports right-wing leaders, while facing criticism from opposition figures regarding agreements that may compromise national sovereignty.
The United States has attacked and destroyed five Iranian oil tankers after Tehran allegedly launched ballistic missiles at a US warship, which had evaded two missile strikes in the past two days. In retaliation, Iran fired missiles at US forces in Jordan, with Jordan's air defenses intercepting 18 out of 20 missiles. The hostilities have led to a brief spike in oil prices to $99.46, with Iran warning that it will target oil tankers in Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports if further attacks occur.
John E. Sununu won the New Hampshire Republican Senate primary, defeating Scott Brown to secure the GOP nomination for the upcoming general election against Democrat Chris Pappas. Sununu, a former senator who served from 2003 to 2009, gained backing from Donald Trump despite their past differences, as Trump’s approval rating in New Hampshire stands at 38%. With Republicans controlling the state legislature but not winning a Senate race since 2010, this election is viewed as critical for both parties’ control of the Senate.
The trial for an incident involving the deaths of at least 31 migrants and asylum seekers has begun, with 14 men facing smuggling-related charges in connection to the deadliest disaster on record for such crossings. The incident occurred on November 24, 2021, when 27 individuals died after their inflatable dinghy deflated in the busy shipping lanes of the Channel, while 114 civil parties, primarily victims' families, are part of the trial expected to last three weeks. Prosecutors allege that the defendants launched a substandard and overcrowded boat without appropriate safety measures, and a UK inquiry indicated that some deaths were avoidable due to a lack of timely response from the French naval vessel.
Congressman Chris Pappas won the New Hampshire Democratic Senate primary, defeating progressive challenger Karishma Manzur to advance to the general election for the seat vacated by retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Pappas, who has served in the House since 2019, received significant establishment support, while Manzur, advocating for Medicare for All and higher taxes on the wealthy, criticized him for his ties to pro-Israel donors. He will face Donald Trump-endorsed former senator John E Sununu in a critical race, amid concerns that New Hampshire could be a sleeper risk for Democrats.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has received a $1 million pay rise, increasing his salary from S$2.2 million ($1.7 million) to S$3.6 million ($2.8 million) as part of a significant salary boost for government ministers that adds over 60% to their current pay. Deputy prime ministers will see their salaries rise from S$1.8 million to S$3 million, while cabinet ministers will earn between S$1.8 million and S$2.8 million based on seniority and portfolio weight. Wong will donate his entire salary increase to "suitable good causes," amid ongoing discussions about the appropriateness of such high-level political salaries in a country where they far exceed the average earnings of citizens.
The US has enacted a ban on Canadian dairy products, most alcoholic beverages, and motorcycles, escalating a trade war as Canada retaliates with $20 billion in tariffs on US imports. This ban, set to take effect in three weeks, follows a June 22 decision by the US to impose 50% tariffs on about 5% of Canadian imports, primarily targeting the dairy, alcoholic beverage, and auto industries. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has vowed to reduce economic dependence on the US, a move that has included provincial bans on US alcoholic products, and highlighted a strategy focused on domestic production and diversifying trade.
The United States has implemented a new package of 36 sanctions targeting Iran's aviation sector as part of "Operation Economic Outcast" to intensify economic pressure on Tehran. This move expands existing sanctions on Mahan Air and includes other Iranian aviation companies and their service providers, warning that entities doing business with them risk being cut off from the global financial system. The sanctions follow a prolonged conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran, which has continued despite previous sanctions, with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declaring these to be the "toughest sanctions in history."
A new report by the Tech Transparency Project revealed that Meta ran 332 paid ads featuring AI-generated child sexual abuse imagery, with 84 of these ads appearing in India, including 78 published after the Indian government's order to remove such content. The majority of the ads (274) were identified in August 2023, and many featured manipulated images of real children, some of whom belonged to a European royal family. In response to the findings, Indian child rights advocates are urging stricter compliance with local laws, stating that social media platforms are failing to report child exploitation cases to Indian law enforcement as required.
Just ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, New York City released 170,000 pages of documents that suggest the government may have downplayed air quality dangers following the towers' collapse, leading to significant health issues among residents and workers. Mayor Zohran Mamdani highlighted that many affected individuals developed illnesses, including respiratory problems and cancer, due to misinformation about safety in the aftermath of the attacks, which resulted in 2,753 deaths on site. The documents revealed concerns, such as a memo indicating the city anticipated up to 10,000 lawsuits regarding toxic exposure and liability issues related to the air quality at Ground Zero.